How to Identify Your Skin Type & Skincare Routine According to Your Type

Understanding your skin type is one of the most important steps in building an effective skincare routine. When you know whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal, you can choose products that actually work for you instead of causing irritation or breakouts.
This guide explains how to identify your skin type and provides a simple, effective skincare routine for each one.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Skin Type

Using the wrong skincare products can lead to issues such as dryness, excess oil, clogged pores, irritation, or uneven skin tone. Identifying your skin type helps you:

• Choose ingredients that support your skin

• Avoid products that may cause irritation

• Build a routine that delivers visible results

• Maintain balanced, healthy skin over time

The Main Skin Types Explained

Before you identify your type, here is a quick breakdown of the five common skin types.

Normal Skin

Balanced moisture levels, smooth texture, minimal sensitivity, and few breakouts.

Oily Skin

Excess oil production, especially in the T-zone, enlarged pores, frequent shine, and higher chance of acne.

Dry Skin

Tightness, rough texture, flaking, dull appearance, and more visible fine lines.

Combination Skin

Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with dry or normal cheeks.

Sensitive Skin

Easily irritated, prone to redness, burning, or stinging when using certain products or exposed to environmental factors.

How to Identify Your Skin Type

Below are two simple and accurate methods you can do at home.

Method 1: Bare-Face Method

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

2. Pat dry and avoid applying any products.

3. Wait 1 hour and observe your skin.

What to look for:

• Shiny all over: oily skin

• Tight, flaky, dull: dry skin

• Shiny T-zone only: combination skin

• No dryness or shine: normal skin

• Redness or irritation: sensitive skin

Method 2: Blotting Paper Test

1. Clean your face and wait 30 minutes.

2. Press blotting paper onto your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.

3. Check the amount of oil absorbed.

Results:

• Little or no oil: dry skin

• Oil on the T-zone: combination skin

• Oil on all areas: oily skin

• Minimal oil with balanced texture: normal skin

Skincare Routine for Each Skin Type

Once you know your skin type, you can build a personalized skincare routine that supports your skin’s needs.
Below are simple and effective routines for daily use.

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Morning:

1. Gel or foaming cleanser

2. Oil-free toner

3. Lightweight serum (niacinamide or salicylic acid)

4. Oil-free moisturizer

5. Sunscreen (matte finish)

Night:

1. Cleanser

2. Exfoliating serum 2–3 times a week (BHA)

3. Lightweight gel moisturizer

This routine helps control oil, reduce shine, and prevent breakouts.

Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Morning:

1. Cream or hydrating cleanser

2. Hydrating toner

3. Serum with hyaluronic acid

4. Rich moisturizer

5. Sunscreen

Night:

1. Gentle cleanser

2. Hydrating serum

3. Nourishing night cream or facial oil

This routine strengthens your moisture barrier and prevents flaking or tightness.

Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Morning:

1. Gentle gel cleanser

2. Balancing toner

3. Lightweight serum

4. Moisturizer (gel for T-zone, cream for cheeks)

5. Sunscreen

Night:

1. Cleanser

2. Exfoliating treatment 2–3 times a week

3. Balancing moisturizer

This routine helps manage oil in the T-zone while keeping dry areas hydrated.

Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Morning:

1. Mild, fragrance-free cleanser

2. Soothing toner (optional)

3. Serum with calming ingredients like aloe or centella

4. Lightweight moisturizer

5. Mineral sunscreen

Night:

1. Gentle cleanser

2. Hydrating or soothing serum

3. Barrier-repair moisturizer

This routine reduces irritation and promotes a calm, balanced complexion.

Skincare Routine for Normal Skin

Morning:

1. Gentle cleanser

2. Hydrating toner

3. Brightening or hydrating serum

4. Lightweight moisturizer

5. Sunscreen

Night:

1. Cleanser

2. Serum (hydrating or anti-aging)

3. Moisturizer

This routine maintains healthy, balanced skin with minimal effort.

Identifying your skin type allows you to choose the right products and build a routine that truly works. Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal, following a routine suited to your type will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin.
With consistent care and the right products, you can achieve a balanced and radiant complexion.